Preventing Heart Attacks: Monitoring Your Health
Prevent or Manage Diabetes
About 17 million people in the United States have diabetes, and
heart disease is the leading cause of death of those with the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three people with diabetes die from
heart disease or
stroke.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and other nutrients into energy. Another 16 million Americans have
pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Genetics and lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity can lead to diabetes.
One in three people who have diabetes don't know they have it. See a doctor if you have any
diabetes symptoms, which include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Increased fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurry vision.